Cut and Shuffle. A new beginning in Chamonix ...

So as the saying goes, ‘Time flies’ ...

It recently dawned on me that it is now a little over 10 years since I first came to visit Chamonix whilst on a university climbing expedition. I was hooked.

For the next six summers I would come here with different groups of friends to climb the crags in the valley and traverse alpine routes. We would walk in the mountains and stay in huts, we even climbed western Europe’s highest mountain - Mont Blanc. I would bring my mountain bike and cycle in the mountains, run through the woods and enjoy the beauty of the landscape here.

It wasn’t until a year ago this week that I came here to experience my first taste of winter in the valley, and what an experience it was! That winter I was only on fleeting visits, I had a taste of the off-piste skiing and ski-touring and I didn’t want to miss out!!

So, that winter acted as the catalyst for me to find a job and move to the valley for the this winter ...

Now living here as a transfer driver, I have begun to see a side to Chamonix that I hadn’t known before. I see it attracts the enthusiast, whether that be skier or snowboarder, off-piste legend, mountain guide or ice-climbing guru. Chamonix attracts all sorts, families of skiers, paragliding pilots, artists, ski makers, carpenters and musical entertainers. The list could go on.

I guess for those that come to live they adopt a lifestyle when they move to the valley, one in which has a shared common ground - a love for the mountains.

Right now, as with most of us here, we continue to wait in earnest for the snow to fall. Whilst waiting I’ve been exploring new and old spots and brushing up on my winter skills.

I’m sure it’ll not be long before it starts dumping hard this side ...

Have fun and Play safe.